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lenaryn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katielou72's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable book, I didn’t warm to Rachel straight away, but then I don’t think her character was supposed to be likeable to start with!
loureader's review against another edition
4.0
Rachel's life is out of control and she is running out of ways to paper over all the things that are difficult to deal with. The drug addiction also doesn't help, of course. While Rachel doesn't see the need to change, others don't share her view. So, it's time for Rachel to go on "holiday" to sort her life out.
This is a really well-written book, which is at times moving and at others humourous. It tackles difficult issues, but with a light touch. I also think that many of us could do with someone like Josephine in our lives to challenge our misguided thinking and getting us to face up to hard issues.
I read the very recently released edition, republished in advance of its sequel 'Again, Rachel coming out in early 2022'. I noticed that the new edition of Rachel's Holiday has actually been edited, which seems mainly to take out some of the more out of date references (the book is about 25 years old after all and Chris de Burgh is probably not the most up to date reference point) and to tidy up some of the writing more widely. So even if you've read this book before its worth reading this new "refreshed" edition in advance of the new book being published.
On a side note, it took me a long time to discover Marian Keyes, not least because her books are sometimes termed as "chick lit" - a phrase that Keyes herself has said is designed to sideline a whole range of books written my women. But, in reality her books cover difficult issues in an intelligent and accessible way and Rachel's Holiday is a great example of this. So, if you haven't given her books a go yet, they are well worth a read.
This is a really well-written book, which is at times moving and at others humourous. It tackles difficult issues, but with a light touch. I also think that many of us could do with someone like Josephine in our lives to challenge our misguided thinking and getting us to face up to hard issues.
I read the very recently released edition, republished in advance of its sequel 'Again, Rachel coming out in early 2022'. I noticed that the new edition of Rachel's Holiday has actually been edited, which seems mainly to take out some of the more out of date references (the book is about 25 years old after all and Chris de Burgh is probably not the most up to date reference point) and to tidy up some of the writing more widely. So even if you've read this book before its worth reading this new "refreshed" edition in advance of the new book being published.
On a side note, it took me a long time to discover Marian Keyes, not least because her books are sometimes termed as "chick lit" - a phrase that Keyes herself has said is designed to sideline a whole range of books written my women. But, in reality her books cover difficult issues in an intelligent and accessible way and Rachel's Holiday is a great example of this. So, if you haven't given her books a go yet, they are well worth a read.
cbcgirl's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
the_travellingmind's review against another edition
5.0
It is dark and sad, heart breaking but also funny and heart warming.
This is a view of addiction with a bit more body and at some points I wanted to cry but I could feel the anger and at some times I gasped.
I loved this journey.
And this resonates with me so much:
No one can make us feel anything, interrupted Clarence. Our feelings are our own responsibility.
This is a view of addiction with a bit more body and at some points I wanted to cry but I could feel the anger and at some times I gasped.
I loved this journey.
And this resonates with me so much:
No one can make us feel anything, interrupted Clarence. Our feelings are our own responsibility.
holly6708's review against another edition
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
raye_loves_reading's review against another edition
4.0
Have to admit that I preferred this to the first of the Walsh series (Watermelon). Rachel is a strong character, but her life is falling apart; she doesn't want to admit there's a problem, doesn't want help, and that reluctance to ask for anything is what leads to her downfall. Seeing her return to the bosom of her incredibly close family, especially after being so used to the high life and everything that went with it, I really felt for her, but at the same time I wanted to slap her for letting things go so badly wrong (it wasn't entirely her fault).
My favourite Walsh story.
My favourite Walsh story.
jessreid's review against another edition
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kezplatt's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Sexual assault